Contributed Collaborative Post
Contrary to popular belief, what sets professional-level videographers apart from most weekend hobbyists is not the equipment or access to locations. Now, for example, it’s not hard for aspiring photographers and videographers to visit photography studios in Birmingham, London, or anywhere else in the UK to get the gear they need and gradually improve upon their craft.
Rather, what sets pros apart from amateurs is intentionality. In other words, once they know what they’re supposed to achieve, pros will be methodical in their pursuit of that goal where amateurs will meander about until something happens.
One thing a budding videographer should do is prepare detailed shot lists before heading out for a shoot. In this position, all you’ll need is a pen and paper to write out some kind of road map for the shoot ahead. There aren’t any strict rules on what shot lists could contain; they could be as simple as a regular to-do list, with some notes of how one would plan to achieve a certain shot.
In commercial productions, shot lists can be quite elaborate, outlining details like basic shot requirements and reference numbers so that videographers know at a glance where footage fits in. They can also include technical details outlining the types of shots, composition, and the equipment needed to pull each shot off. In feature films, there may also be notes in the film for post-production crews. However, the way the shot lists work is broadly similar, regardless of the size of the production.
Do Amateurs Need Shot Lists?
Absolutely. Shot lists were once more commonplace even among amateurs in the film era, given the expense of film stock. However, the practice has largely fallen by the wayside due to the democratisation of video production and our practically unlimited access to digital storage.
But even with today’s digital videography, there are still several good reasons to prepare shot lists before venturing out on a shoot, regardless of whether it’s for a client or one’s personal enjoyment. Let’s look at some of the reasons every videographer needs to plan their shots ahead of time:
1) Time and Cost Savings
A well-planned shot list helps videographers make the best use of whatever resources they have. Upon identifying all necessary shots and what they need in advance, videographers can avoid unnecessary retakes and reshoots can be minimised, thus saving both time and money. In addition, having a shot list makes it easier to time the rental and scheduling of equipment and talent, preventing costly delays and overtime expenses.
2) Keeps Everyone on the Same Page
Having a shot list also ensures more people involved in the project understand the vision and what needs to be captured. Using the shotlist as a reference point, everyone from the directors and cinematographers to the actors and crew can be cued into what the shot actually demands, which helps them collaborate more effectively.
Shot lists can also help with communication before a shoot. They can be a supplement to a client pitch and a way to gain valuable feedback before the shoot begins. In these ways, they can be invaluable for helping videographers gain their clients’ trust and avoiding outputs that don’t match the initial project requirements.
3) Helps Provide Consistency in Visual Style
Consistency is key in high-level videography, especially for projects with multiple scenes or locations. A tight shot list will help everyone involved with the camerawork to maintain a consistent visual style throughout the production.
4) Avoids Preventable Issues
With a detailed shot list, videographers and everyone else involved in the production can see well in advance if certain shots will be an issue. For instance, if a location is one with fickle lighting conditions, the shot list can provide lighting crews with a reference for adjusting the shot plan while staying true to the project’s objectives.
5) Maximises Creative Potential
Whether working on a backyard production or something involving hundreds of other professionals, a shot list will provide a useful set of boundaries within which creativity can flow in a controlled (and hopefully cost-effective) manner. Videographers and other project stakeholders can use the shot list to consider not just individual shots, but the role those shots have within the wider narrative and production contexts of the project.
With a clear understanding of the technical, labour, and financial constraints of each shot, everyone can better explore creative opportunities that might improve the overall feasibility or quality of the video.
Shot Lists are Key to Consistently Exceptional Videos
Detailed shot lists are inarguably some of the best tools videographers can use to fully develop their craft. Though preparing a sufficiently detailed shot list might seem like drudgery, it is in this preparation that videographers can elevate their work and deliver cohesive, thoroughly intentional videos that deliver effective messages and captivate audiences.
This is a contributed collaborative post
